eye sight issues with auto-darkening lens

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Hi everybody:I am sure this question has been asked and answered many times before, i did a search and came with many posts but could not find the info that I need.I would like to buy an auto-darkening helmet (mainly for stick but TIG is in the near future) but I am concerned with my eyes.I over the years have suffered too many with them (an accident when I was a child made me blind of my left eye and with age came nearsightedness from the right one) and I as I read the instruction manual from the helmets I wonder if the eye (cornea and retina) gets hurt no matter how fast they say they are darkening.I know that if I have so many concerns, why change my old fixed lens helmet?but I do not want to pass on something that could make my work (i love it) more enjoyable.If some of you could direct me to some medical research on this subject.Thank you very much, and please excuse my English
Reply:Howdy,I cant give you any medical research so please take this with a grain of salt but I hope my opionions and experience help you anyway.  I have personally used the auto darkening helmets.  I found in most conditions they work really good, and no eye strain.  I have been told by my eye doc that like a lot of things if your eye hurts,  youve strained it or damaged it.  If not, you probably havent.  I have welded well over 18 hrs in a day on special projects at work with auto darkening and it never cause a problem.  At the same time I will say that there are certain circumstances whereby the sensor that sees the light is either blocked by view or your holding your head too far from the arc.  In most situations this isnt a problem, but it can come up.  Also, I only use Jackson auto dark.  I cant say for the others specifically, but I do know that Jackson is regarded among the very best and I believe from all I have read the biggest concern is solar power vs batt. power, and that the darkening speed is rather consistant.   Jackson does batt power.  I have never had a problem.  Anyways, if you havent already check out the jackson welding products.  Good luckCHRIS
Reply:From what the glossy brochures state and others have posted around on other forums, these more modern helmets and lenses (at least the branded auto dark) offer a certain amount of UV protection regardless of whether they go dark or not and regardless of lightness/darkness setting.  I've heard up to UV 14, which isn't great but some at least.
Reply:Thank you very much for your answers.